Engineering grad and his autism service dog redefine university success

Victor Bal will graduate from Polytechnique Montréal with a mechanical engineering degree this year. His journey marks a milestone as one of the first university graduates to rely on a service dog trained for autism spectrum disorder. Alongside him will be Kopeck, his loyal eight-year-old Labrador/Bernese Mountain Dog cross, who has been by his side throughout his studies. Bal’s academic path has been a long one. He spent six years completing high school, followed by four years in junior college, and finally five years earning his bachelor’s degree. His progress improved significantly after meeting Kopeck, a service dog provided by Quebec’s Mira foundation.

Kopeck is specially trained to detect signs of stress in Bal. When needed, the dog nudges him or makes gentle noises to refocus his attention. This support has helped Bal manage his studies more effectively, enhancing both his academic performance and social interactions. He credits Kopeck with boosting his confidence and self-esteem. At Polytechnique Montréal, Bal and Kopeck have become well-known figures. Their presence has contributed to raising awareness about accessibility services on campus. This year alone, over 1,000 students have made use of these resources. Bal’s graduation, with Kopeck by his side on stage, will highlight the impact of service animals in higher education.

Bal’s achievement sets a precedent for students with autism spectrum disorder in university settings. His graduation, alongside Kopeck, demonstrates how trained service dogs can provide vital support in academic and social environments. The pair will continue to serve as advocates for accessibility at Polytechnique Montréal.